Indiana Teen Graduates From College 2 Weeks Before Getting High School Diploma

Raven Osborne, 18, earned her college degree two weeks before getting her high school diploma. (Photo: CBS)

Raven Osborne might be a bit of an overachiever, which should serve her well in an upcoming position she was just granted. The Indiana resident graduated from college on Friday, which just happens to be a full two weeks before she is set to get her high school diploma.

Osborne, 18, is a senior at the 21st Century Charter High School in Gary, a notoriously troubled city that rests in the shadows of Chicago some 25 miles away. On Friday, Osborne received a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in early childhood education from Purdue University Northwest. On May 22, she’ll walk the stage to get a diploma from her high school.

In speaking with local NBC outlet WTVM, Osborne shyly shared her feelings after gaining the big honor and an approving ovation from the Purdue student body and faculty.

“It’s kind of surreal. I can’t believe that I kind of made it,” she said with a grin. And made it she did. The studious Osborne began taking courses at a local community college as a freshman and earned an associate’s degree in general studies. With the help of her mom, Hazel, and her high school’s president and superintendent, Kevin Teasley, she made it a goal to become the first 21st Century student to graduate college while still in high school. With a combination of online courses and attending school year-round, including through the summer, Osborne was able to keep pace.

Even more amazing is that Osborne worked a midnight-shift part-time job at an adult day care center while taking the double course load, but it eventually took its toll on the young woman. She pressed on with her studies. Osborne credits her mother for pushing her through the tough moments she faced, and of course Mom couldn’t be any prouder.

Adding to all of this wonderfulness is that Osborne will now work at the same school that she made history with. She was hired as an interventionist with elementary-age children and will be earning a $38,000 salary according to a CBS News report.